ance.

Early in the morning we alighted at the station, high upon a viaduct,
after a sleepless night, and drove to a small commercial hotel, the
Cheval Blanc, in the Place des Arenes, nearly opposite the Luxembourg
where the mystery-man of Europe had appointed to meet the infamous
Despujol. When I inquired for a telegram one was handed to me. It was
from Hambledon, saying that De Gex had left for Nimes and Suzor was
returning to Paris, therefore he would follow the latter.

Having installed ourselves in the hotel, Rivero went to the concierge,
and taking him into his confidence over a twenty-franc note, told him
that he was very anxious to know whether a gentleman named Rabel had
arrived at the Luxembourg. Would he ask the concierge there privately
on the telephone?

The man in uniform at once rang up the Luxembourg, and addressing the
concierge as his "dear Henri," made the inquiry.

The reply was that Monsieur Rabel was expected at noon.

"Ask if a gentleman is expected who has engaged a private
sitting-room," Rivero said.

The reply came back that a gentleman, believed to be English, had
arrived in the night and now occupied the best suite. His name was
Monsieur Johnson, of London.

I then described De Gex to the concierge, who repeated the description
to the other hotel.

"Yes, m'sieur," he said, turning again to me. "Henri believes it is
the same gentleman whom you describe."

"Who is he?" asked Rivero, much puzzled.

"Wait--and you will see," I replied, laughing, for we now seemed to be
within an ace of success.

Just before midday we watched the arrival of the train from Montauban,
and from it there descended the man we expected--the notorious
Despujol. Though his features were unmistakable he was made up to look
much older, his hair being made grey above the ears.

At his side there walked a man whom I instantly recognized, and sight
of him, I must confess, caused me to hold my breath.

It was the sinister-faced Italian, Doctor Moroni.

We drew back, and hastening to a taxi, returned at once to our hotel,
from the door of which we could see the entrance to the Luxembourg,
where a few moments later we saw both the travellers enter.

What further devil's work was now in progress?

We watched the hotel in patience, until just before three o'clock the
trio came forth laughing airily.

"Why, look!" gasped Rivero. "Despujol is with your great English
financier, Senor De Gex!"

I smiled triumpha